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Friday, October 12, 2012

It is tailgating season so grills will soon be loaded with burgers and brats in back yards and parking lots now through the bowl season. Oh who am I kidding? Burgers and brats are always in season. Of course, one of the classics is the simple but delicious "mushroom and Swiss".

The tip is simple - Marsala wine. It brings out the best in the mushrooms and adds a little sweetness to the party that just works.

Saute your sliced mushrooms (I prefer baby bellas) in a little butter for 8 minutes. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Just as the butter dries up, add a 1/4 to 1/2 cup of marsala wine to the hot pan. Simmer until the wine is reduced to just a few tablespoons, which should only take 2-3 minutes. Top your burgers with this after you have flipped the patties.

Then add the cheese. I like the cheese cooked onto the mushrooms because it keeps them warm. Cold mushrooms can be unpleasant for those that aren't big fans of 'shrooms. But cooked like this they meld into one with the cheese and burger.

Side note: I am a big fan of Sargento's new "ultra thin" slices for cheeseburgers. I used the ultra thin Swiss with these burgers and liked how it melts to cover the burger.

Finally, if you are going to make a mushroom and Swiss burger, skip the condiments and garnishes. This is one of those burgers that just doesn't seem right with lettuce, tomato, etc. The only exception for my preferences MIGHT be bacon.

Sitting here looking at this, it occurs to me that a "chicken Marsala sandwich" would also be awesome on the grill. Note to self....

19 comments:

Gooey and covered and mushrooms? Yes, please. This burger looks delicious. I agree, mushroom and Swiss burger is best served unfettered without other condiments. Not even the bacon, as much as I love bacon! Simply served means you can savor the complex flavors of the cheese and sauteed mushrooms. Since the mushrooms were sauteed in Marsala, I bet it already is so flavorful! Great post.

Chris this wonderful. I too am a swiss lover on a burger...Haven't thought of the wine but knowing your skills and good taste in food I'll ask Sam to put all the fixings on her shopping list..best to you both...M

Shopping list now complete: Milk, eggs, Mushrooms, Marsala. Just because I know you've been wondering, our 80 straight days of sunshine has ended...so we'll be at the grill tonight with one hand holding a spatula and the other holding an umbrella...Mushroom Swiss Burgers are on the menu!